Resources About Photoluminescent Exit Signs and Path Markers
Photoluminescent Links and Downloads
You will find below a list of links for information on the NightBright USA Photoluminescent exit signs and path markers as well as useful sites that assist with the implementation of the product line.
Technical Data
Data and Specifications photoluminescent exit signs
Fulfill the following codes:
NFPA 1
Fire Code 2012 14.14.4 & 14.14.7.2
NFPA 101
Life Safety Code 2018
IBC
(International Building Code 2018) 1013
OSHA 1910
(E-1910.35 & E 1910.37)
Conform to the following standards:
ETL listed to UL-924. Standard for Safety of Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment.
ETL listed to UL-1994. Standard for Photoluminescent Path Markers and Signs.
ETL listed to UL-746C. (Impact Test) For Floor Proximity Installation.
ASTM E 2072 Standard for Photoluminescent Brightness.
ASTM D635, Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position. Is not flammable and does not issue toxic gases when exposed to heat, fire or flame.
ASTM D 4828-94 (2003). Standard Test Methods for Practical Washability of Organic Coatings.
ASTM D 3648-2004 Standard Practices for the Measurement of Radioactivity.
ISO 7010 E001, E002, E003, E004 Graphical symbols -- Safety colors and safety signs -- Registered safety signs.
ISO 17398:2004 Classification, performance and durability of safety signs.
ANSI Z535.1 American National Standard. For Safety Colors.
Bombardier BSS 7239 (Toxicity)
RE 6-1 and RS 6-1A Standards. Meets and exceeds New York City Building Code Reference.
MEA 462-05-M, Code Section 27-383(b). Have been approved by the City of New York Department of Buildings.
Product Data
Physical Properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual Appearance | Glossy appearance, light to medium yellow color against medium to dark green color. |
| Application Surface | Any mountable surface in any gradient |
| Application Temperature Range | Any range, no temperature restrictions. |
| Property | Values |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 1/32 inch |
| Service Temperature | -30°F to 220°F -34°C to 94°C |
Chemical Characteristics:
Resists mild corrosives, mild acids, mild alkalis, salt, solvents and alcohol.
Washability meets or exceeds ASTM D 4828-1994 (2003). Signage tested after 100 sponge cycles using a simple green all purpose cleaner over Paper Mate Flair felt tip pen (water based); Leneta Staining Medium Item No. ST – 1 (mineral oil borne soilant); Crayola Crayon; and Wet ‘n’ Wild 514 Cherry Frost Lipstick. There was no change in gloss, color or luminescence and the signage demonstrated no erosion. Further, signage is solvent and alcohol resistant.
Toxicity Test Results:
| GAS | Average PPM | Critical Concentration PPM |
|---|---|---|
| CO | 127.5 | 3,500 |
| HCN | 1.061 | 100 |
| SO2 | 5.657 | 100 |
| HCI | 0.177 | 500 |
| HF | 0.000 | 100 |
Toxicity conforms to Bombardier BSS 7239
Radioactivity per ASTM D 3648-2004. The test demonstrated there were no integral alpha, beta and / or gamma radiation above background noise radiation levels and the test specimens were determined to be non-radioactive as tested to the referenced standard.
Application and Uses:
Primarily intended for interior luminous safety signage in buildings.
Limitations of End Uses:
NightBright USA photoluminescent signs and path markers require a minimum of 1 ft-c for 60 minutes to charge, and are not intended or warranted for installation in areas that have no lights source what so ever.
NightBright USA photoluminescent EXIT signs require a minimum of 5 ft-c for 60 minutes to charge, and are not intended or warranted for installation in areas that have no lights source what so ever.
NightBright USA assumes no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage arising out of the use of a product that is not of our manufacture. Where reference is made in literature to a commercially available product, made by another manufacturer, it shall be the user’s responsibility to ascertain the precautionary measures for its use outlined by the manufacturer.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based upon tests performed for fees paid by us to professional testing organizations and agencies and we believe these tests to be highly reliable, but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed, and the following is made in lieu of all warranties, or conditions express or implied. Sellers and manufacturers only obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proved to be defective. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct, special or consequential, arising out of the use of or the inability to use the product. Statements or recommendations not contained herein shall have no force or effect unless in an agreement signed by officers of seller and manufacturer.
Standards and Codes
National and International Guidelines
APPROVED Photoluminescent EXIT SIGNS
2018 IBC - INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
2018 NFPA 101 - LIFE SAFETY CODE®
2018 IBC, IFC & 2018 Life Safety Code specify that exit signs used to mark exit doors must be approved. All approved exit signs must be tested and evaluated to the UL 924 performance standard- electric, photoluminescent and self-luminous signs. Exit signs must be so maintained that they will continue to operate for not less than 90 minutes after an electrical power failure.
(IBC) CHAPTER 10: MEANS OF EGRESS
Section 1013 Exit Signs
1013.1 Where Required
Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. The path of egress travel to exits and within exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs to clearly indicate the direction of egress travel in cases where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Intervening means of egress doors within exits shall be marked by exit signs. Exit sign placement shall be such that no point in an exit access corridor or exit passageway is more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) or the listed viewing distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible exit sign.
Exceptions:
1. Exit signs are not required in rooms or areas that require only one exit or exit access.
2. Main exterior exit doors or gates that are obviously and clearly identifiable as exits need not have exit signs where approved by the building official.
3. Exit signs are not required in occupancies in Group U and individual sleeping units or dwelling units in Group R-1, R-2 or R-3.
4. Exit signs are not required in dayrooms, sleeping rooms or dormitories in occupancies in Group I-3.
5. In occupancies in Groups A-4 and A-5, exit signs are not required on the seating side of vomitories or openings into seating areas where exit signs are provided in the concourse that are readily apparent from the vomitories. Egress lighting is provided to identify each vomitory or opening within the seating area in an emergency.
1013.2 Floor-Level Exit Signs in Group R-1
Where exit signs are required in Group R-1 occupancies by Section 1013.1, additional low-level exit signs shall be provided in all areas serving guest rooms in Group R-1 occupancies and shall comply with Section 1013.5.
The bottom of the sign shall be not less than 10 inches (254 mm) nor more than 12 inches (305 mm) above the floor level. The sign shall be flush mounted to the door or wall. Where mounted on the wall, the edge of the sign shall be within 4 inches (102 mm) of the door frame on the latch side.
1013.3 Illumination
Exit signs shall be internally or externally illuminated.
Exception: Tactile signs required by Section 1013.4 need not be provided with illumination.
1013.4 Raised Character and Braille Exit Signs
A sign stating EXIT in visual characters, raised characters and braille and complying with ICC A117.1 shall be provided adjacent to each door to an area of refuge, an exterior area for assisted rescue, an exit stairway or ramp, an exit passageway and the exit discharge.
1013.5 Internally Illuminated Exit Signs
Electrically powered, self-luminous and photoluminescent exit signs shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 924 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and Chapter 27. Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.
1013.6 Externally Illuminated Exit Signs
Externally illuminated exit signs shall comply with Sections 1013.6.1 through 1013.6.3.
1013.6.1 Graphics
Every exit sign and directional exit sign shall have plainly legible letters not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high with the principal strokes of the letters not less than 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) wide. The word "EXIT" shall have letters having a width not less than 2 inches (51 mm) wide, except the letter "I," and the minimum spacing between letters shall be not less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). Signs larger than the minimum established in this section shall have letter widths, strokes and spacing in proportion to their height.
The word "EXIT" shall be in high contrast with the background and shall be clearly discernible when the means of exit sign illumination is or is not energized. If a chevron directional indicator is provided as part of the exit sign, the construction shall be such that the direction of the chevron directional indicator cannot be readily changed.
1013.6.2 Exit Sign Illumination
The face of an exit sign illuminated from an external source shall have an intensity of not less than 5 footcandles (54 lux).
1013.6.3 Power Source
Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times. To ensure continued illumination for a duration of not less than 90 minutes in case of primary power loss, the sign illumination means shall be connected to an emergency power system provided from storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Chapter 27.
Exceptions:
1. Approved exit sign illumination means that provide continuous illumination independent of external power sources for a duration of not less than 90 minutes, in case of primary power loss, are not required to be connected to an emergency electrical system.
2. Group I-2 Condition 2 exit sign illumination shall not be provided by unit equipment battery only.
L.E.E.D.
U.S. Green Building Council
NightBright USA Products are L.E.E.D. Credit Eligible
Credit 1 - Energy and Atmosphere (EA):
Optimizing Energy Performance
Credit 2 - Materials and Resources (MR):
Recycled Content
Credit 3 - Innovation and Design (ID):
Exceptional Performance
Energy & Atmosphere
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings use 39% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced each year in the United States. The Energy & Atmosphere category encourages a wide variety of energy-wise strategies: commissioning; energy use monitoring; efficient design and construction; efficient appliances, systems and lighting; the use of renewable and clean sources of energy, generated on-site or off-site; and other innovative measures.
Materials & Resources
During both the construction and operations phases, buildings generate a lot of waste and use large quantities of materials and resources. The Materials & Resources category encourages the selection of sustainably grown, harvested, produced and transported products and materials. It promotes waste reduction as well as reuse and recycling, and it particulary rewards the reduction of waste at a product’s source.
Innovation in Design
The Innovation in Design category provides bonus points for projects that use innovative technologies and strategies to improve a building’s performance well beyond what is required by other LEED credits, or to account for green building considerations that are not specifically addressed elsewhere in LEED. This category also rewards projects for including a LEED Accredited Professional on the team to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to the design and construction process.
LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Project
Checklist
Energy and Atmosphere 35 Possible Points
þ Prerequisite 1 Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems Required
þ Prerequisite 2 Minimum Energy Performance Required
þ Prerequisite 3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management Required
¨ Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance 1–19
¨ Credit 2 On-site Renewable Energy 1–7
¨ Credit 3 Enhanced Commissioning 2
¨ Credit 4 Enhanced Refrigerant Management 2
¨ Credit 5 Measurement and Verification 3
¨ Credit 6 Green Power 2
Materials and Resources 14 Possible Points
þ Prerequisite 1Storage and Collection of Recyclables Required
¨ Credit 1.1 Building Reuse—Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof 1-3
¨ Credit 1.2 Building Reuse—Maintain Existing Interior Nonstructural Elements 1
¨ Credit 2 Construction Waste Management 1-2
¨ Credit 3 Materials Reuse 1-2
¨ Credit 4 Recycled Content 1-2
¨ Credit 5 Regional Materials 1-2
¨ Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1
¨ Credit 7 Certified Wood 1
Innovation in Design 6 Possible Points
¨ Credit 1 Innovation in Design 1-5
¨ Credit 2 LEED Accredited Professional 1
LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations
100 base points; 6 possible Innovation in Design and 4 Regional Priority points
Certified 40–49 points
Silver 50–59 points
Gold 60–79 points
Platinum 80 points and above
FAQ about photoluminescent exit and path marker signs
NightBright USA Product Line:
How long does it take to charge the product?
It only takes a few minutes of bright lighting for an initial quick charge, but it takes about one hour of exposure to a cool light source such as ambient daylight, fluorescent, LED, mercury vapor or metal halide for a full charge at the installation site.
How long will the product glow?
When fully charged, the product will emit enough light for effective path marking for several hours. The darker the area, the easier it is for the human eye to perceive the light emitting from the signage.
How long will the product last?
If properly used indoors in compliance with the installation instructions, the typical life expectancy of the aluminum backed EXIT signs is beyond 30 years. Per UL924 standard for Emergency Lighting, photoluminescent exit signs do not have to carry an expiration date.
Is this product code compliant?
Yes. The NightBright USA product meets the required codes for emergency evacuation and egress path marking signage. Our product line qualifies under the required provisions of the UBC and IBC as approved by the International Code Council.
What is the product warranty?
NightBright USA Photoluminescent Aluminum products have a 30 year limited warranty on their Photoluminescent properties when installed indoors.
What makes the product glow?
NightBright USA uses a patented technology to apply a photoluminescent pigment to our sturdy aluminum signs.
Is the product radioactive?
Our product is not radioactive. The photoluminescent effect is accomplished through the use of non-radioactive, non-toxic pigment powder which is applied to our aluminum signage.
How do you install the product?
Exit signs are to be affixed onto walls, doors or ceiling by means of tamper proof screws. When using tamper proof screws it may be also appropriate to use in addition an adhesive such as Liquid Nails. If the sign is supplied with frames for ceiling or wall installation, the frames are to be installed prior to placing the sign in the slot supplied and then affixed by means of set screws provided. Path marker signs may be installed using Liquid Nails or an equivalent adhesive.
Where is the product made?NightBright USA Proudly manufactures all of our product line in the Great United States of America!
List of Industry Links
Industry Links
International Code Council (ICC)
The International Code Council or ICC is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe, sustainable and affordable construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes. The ICC also sets the standard known as the International Building Code or IBC
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
The world's leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative source on public safety, NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks.
Intertek (E.T.L.)
Intertek Directory of Listed Products Search
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Link to OSHA's Fire Safety Plan information.
Underwriter Laboratories, Inc.
UL is the leading third-party certification agency for security and signaling products and systems.
A great source for product compliance.
National Safety Council (NSC)
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.